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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

India must break 50 year Oval record to bounce back from Headingley defeat

The ongoing series between England and India is currently level heading into the final two Tests at The Oval and Old Trafford.

The first game at Trent Bridge was drawn after a washout on day five, before India won a remarkable Test at Lord's.

England then levelled the series at Headingley with a dominant innings victory and Joe Root's side will be looking to continue their momentum at The Oval.

However, India captain Virat Kohli is confident that his side will be able to bounce back immediately.

He said: "If what happens in one game guarantees you the same thing the next game, we should have smashed England again [after winning the second Test at Lord's].

"It didn't happen. We like to be in this situation where people start coming at us with doubts and start questioning our ability.

"That is the situation we love best. We will not be demoralised by this loss. The guys in the changing room are hurt.

"When you are hurt, you really want to correct the things that did not go our way. That is the way we will play the next two Tests."

However, India will need to do something that they have not managed to do in 50 years - win a Test at The Oval.

India's record at the venue is far from impressive, with just one victory in 13 Tests.

That win came back in 1971, with Bhagwath Chandrasekhar picking up 6-38 in the second innings and leading India to a four wicket victory - a feat India will be desperate to replicate.

India have not won a Test at The Oval since 1971 (Central Press/Getty Images)

Reflecting on that historic victory and the series win, current India head coach Ravi Shastri said: "The 1971 series win in England lifted spirits of Indian cricket in a huge manner.

"It gave them the belief that they can go overseas and win. And to do it in England is always historic. 50 years have gone by, and those players really set the tone. Hats off to all of them."

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